Chance-Reay to lead book discussion

Michaeline Chance-Reay will lead a discussion of the book “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Newton Public Library’s Bessmer Meeting Room, 720 N. Oak St.

Michaeline Chance-Reay will lead a discussion of the book “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Newton Public Library’s Bessmer Meeting Room, 720 N. Oak St.

In this book, 14-year-old Lily and her nanny find refuge with African-American sisters who cultivate bees in South Carolina.

“The Secret Life of Bees” is the first in a four-part “Growing Up” series. The TALK (Talk About Literature in Kan-sas) book discussion series is provided by the Kansas Humanities Council, a non-profit organization with 30 years of promoting the understanding of the history, traditions, and ideas that shape our lives and build community.

Chance-Reay teaches elementary and secondary education courses and Women’s Studies at Kansas State University. She received her doctorate in humanities education and M.S.W. in social work from Ohio State University, and a master of arts in English and social studies from Ball State University. In 1998, her research resulted in an exhibition at the Riley County Historical Museum and an accompanying book, “Land Grant Ladies: Kansas State University Presidential Wives.”

Those interested in attending the discussions may reserve copies of the books from the Library. For more information, contact Marilyn Schmidt at 283-2890. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.